Sunday, December 20, 2020

The 2021 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge



Okay, so 2020 pretty much can suck it.  I thought 2019 was a tough year--I had no idea.  The New Year is on the horizon, though, and I'm really hoping things will start to improve.  I know it won't be quick, but I'm hopeful.

I've seen a lot of different reactions from my fellow readers this year.  Some folks have been whipping through books like mad, using the escape to deal with the day to day.  Some folks have been bogged down by anxiety and stress and haven't managed to put much of a dent into their reading goals for the year.  This is the first time since I started the Pick Your Poison challenge that I didn't even come close to finishing all the categories.  But that's the beauty of this challenge--with the different levels you don't have to be overwhelmed.  What I love about reading challenges is that they get me out of my comfort zone and I find myself reading non-fiction and memoirs and horror--genres I used to shudder at.  (I still kind of shudder at horror.)

So here it is, the 2021 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge.  I hope that it helps you to get out of your comfort zone a bit, or helps you to escape a bit, or whatever it is you need to make 2021 a better year for reading.


For folks who want a printable version to make notes, click here for a PDF version.

For fans of spreadsheets, click here for a spreadsheet you can use to track your books.

As always, special thanks to my dear friend Good Karma for taking my basic concept and making it beautiful.  This year she said, "Any requests for what you want?" and I responded, "Something with chickens!" and I could not be more pleased with how perfect her finished product is.



59 comments:

  1. I'm joining again at the Fortnightly level. I chose to upgrade to that level this year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome back! I'm so happy to see repeat folks! Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Is there going to be one for next year? I got all the categories for this year, including all the Wildcards.

      Delete
    3. Yes! I am definitely going to have a new challenge, but I'm running a bit behind this year because I've had some health issues. I'm hoping to have it up within a week. Thanks for asking.

      Delete
    4. Yay!! Looking forward to the new one. Do you use StoryGraph by any chance? They have a spot for creating checklists for challenges.

      Delete
  2. I am joining again for the Freaky Reader challenge. Though I was not able to complete the challenge in 2020 I came quite close, so will try to complete the challenge this year

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Here is the link to my blogpost:

      https://readnburied.wordpress.com/2020/12/22/2021-pick-your-poison-reading-challenge/

      Delete
    2. Welcome back! I'm thrilled to see another Freaky Reader out there!

      Delete
  3. I'm back for another Baker's Dozen: https://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2020/12/pick-your-poison-challenge-2021.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thinking of having a go at this. Is there a hashtag to use for when I post on Facebook? Happy to use #PickYourPoisonReadingChallenge ?

    ReplyDelete
  5. #PickYourPoisonReadingChallenge works for me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm in! Baker's Dozen https://avidseriesreader.blogspot.com/2020/12/2021-pick-your-poison.html
    I'm excited to see the new categories/topics. This is my 2nd time in the challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I will be Journaling my challenge through my pencake app. I am going with the Fortnightly challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Im looking at doing the 52 pickup or goin' for the burn. Haven't decided yet.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love the whole concept of this challenge! I think I'm in for the Fortnightly challenge, added to my Popsugar challenge (I found your challenge on a Master List of challenges that they are keeping).

    ReplyDelete
  10. Can I double up? Can I use one book for two categories?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The intent is to read a different book for each category, but it's not like the reading challenge police will be issuing tickets. Mostly I want folks to have fun!

      Delete
  11. I think I might try this one at the Fortnightly level. I like the concept of this challenge better than most of them

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I tried to create something that would fill a need.

      Delete
  12. This looks great! I'm going for the 52 pickup.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sharon

    I am going to give Fortnightly level a try. Thank you for offering the Book Challenge

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm joining for the first time in 2021! I'm going to start with the Bakers Dozen and see where I end up. Love this challenge!

    ReplyDelete
  15. First year joining! I'm going for Fortnightly. Blog Post

    ReplyDelete
  16. This graphic is gorgeous, and the format is approachable for someone who reads a ton but resists challenges that are too bossy. I think I'll try the fortnightly challenge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy the challenge!

      Delete
  17. Interesting challenge. I'm joining at Fortnightly. https://cdnbookworm.blogspot.com/2021/01/pick-your-poison-reading-challenge-2021.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love this challenge! I am going to try for Fortnightly but hoping maybe to make it to 52 Pickup! https://frominktopaper.com/2021/01/02/2021-reading-challenges/

    ReplyDelete
  19. My name's elena, I'm joining the challenge, aiming at forthnightly.
    https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159488305072125&id=547117124

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is an amazing reading challenge! Thank you for creating this. I love how many options there are. I will definitely be telling my friends about this, and I will be sharing my progress with others on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I'm giving this a go at the Baker's Dozen level.

    https://red-reads-books.blogspot.com/2021/01/pick-your-poison-reading-challenge-2021.html

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm joining at the Fortnightly level! 2020 was by far the worst year of reading published books I've had since I learned to read. I'm ready to start healing and read more.
    https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/3783116-mindy?ref=nav_mybooks&shelf=pick-your-poison-2021
    I've got a bookshelf ready!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm going to attempt Fortnightly. This looks like a great challenge and I hope to incorporate it with others I have signed up for and actually read more than the 26 but trying to be cautious for now

    I will track at https://titlesurfingwithtraci.blogspot.com/2021/01/pick-your-poison.html

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm joining at the Fortnightly level - here is my blogpost -
    https://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2021/01/2021-pick-your-poison-reading-challenge.html

    ReplyDelete
  25. First I wanted to say that I love your challenge setup. I love how open it is to so many possibilities. This is my very first book challenge ever....even though I work at a library....lol. I am going for the Fortnightly level but maybe I'll make it higher.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Will be trying for Fortnightly! I'll be tracking on my Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/16603937?shelf=2021-pickyourpoison

    But also on my new WordPress (which is still deeply in the works, excuse the chaos for now): https://juulna725191629.wordpress.com/2021-pick-your-poison-reading-challenge/

    ReplyDelete
  27. Officially signed up! Failed last year, but trying again. Sign up post here: https://www.truebookaddict.com/2021/01/2021-reading-challenges.html
    Tracking on this page: https://www.truebookaddict.com/p/2021-reading-challenges.html

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is the best reading challenge I've ever come across, I love the breadth and versatility. I have one question: can I include a book I started reading last year or not?

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm a little late to sign in to the blog, but I've been working on this challenge since January...I'm doing the Fortnightly version

    ReplyDelete
  30. I have been working on this challenge for a few months this year. I will track my progress on my Instagram @juliethope3 I will also refer to this challenge within the group I host for mystery and thriller books on the Likewise app group Mystery Mob. Http://on.likewise.com/mystery-mob

    ReplyDelete
  31. I have a question about the Wildcard topic. I'm doing Fortnightly so can choose one Wildcard. Is the Wildcard meant to replace one of the 26 topics, or is it in addition to the 26 topics? Thanks in advance for your clarification. Probably a dumb question though. :/

    ReplyDelete
  32. I’m almost done and can’t wait for the list for next year! I’m completing at Freaky Reader including all Wildcards. I am adding all I’ve read to my Goodreads account u see a dedicated shelf. https://www.goodreads.com/user/edit/profile/profile_url

    ReplyDelete
  33. Will you be releasing a 2022 challenge?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. Apologies for not responding earlier. I've been dealing with some health issues. I hope to have the new list up within a week.

      Delete
  34. same question as the above poster! will there be a 2022 edition?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. Apologies for not responding earlier. I've been dealing with some health issues. I hope to have the new list up within a week.

      Delete
  35. I too am hoping there will be a 2022 Pick Your Poison!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. Apologies for not responding earlier. I've been dealing with some health issues. I hope to have the new list up within a week.

      Delete
    2. That is great but most importantly, I hope you are on the mend health wise! Take care!

      Delete
    3. I'd echo Lady Slpa's comment. Much as we look forward to seeing the challenge, please prioritise your health.

      Delete
  36. Yay! I've finished "Goin for the Burn" level!

    ReplyDelete